Senate Resolution No. 2685

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of John F. Grabowiecki, former
police officer and safety security officer,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
a courageous officer who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family, the City of Peekskill, and Hendrick
Hudson High School; and

WHEREAS, John Francis Grabowiecki, affectionately known to his
friends and family as Gene, died on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the age
of 70; and

WHEREAS, John F. Grabowiecki was born to Helen (Malinowski) and
Peter Grabowiecki on September 29, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, where
he attended St. Anthony's Elementary School and Mount St. Michael High
School; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, John F. Grabowiecki moved to Peekskill, New York,
and after several different careers, he became a City of Peekskill
Police Officer on May 27, 1981; he retired on May 23, 1990, after being
shot in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, John F. Grabowiecki spent the last six and a half years
working at Hendrick Hudson High School as a Senior Safety Security
Officer; he was well-liked and respected by staff and students alike,
and his presence in the school will be sorely missed, especially by the
cafeteria crew; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working, John F. Grabowiecki loved to
explore and traveled extensively to St. Thomas, Machu Picchu, Egypt,
Italy, Antarctica, and many other destinations; he was an avid fan of
James Bond, enjoyed movies and music, and had a passion for astronomy;
and

WHEREAS, John F. Grabowiecki had a talent for hard work, and was
always available to lend a helping hand to his friends and family; and

WHEREAS, This kind and compassionate man was well-liked and admired
by many and he truly lived his life to the fullest; he appreciated each
and every day and often told others, "Don't dwell on it," and "It is
what it is"; and

WHEREAS, John F. Grabowiecki is survived by his two sons,
Christopher (Jamie Sandross) and Michael (Rosa), and their mother,
Ausilia (Ceilia) Grabowiecki; his long-time partner, Anita Salvate; and
his four grandchildren, Maximus, Jayden, Tyler, and Laila; as well as
many friends and fellow officers who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, John F. Grabwiecki's record of unimpeachable fairness will
endure as an inspiration and living legacy to all who had the privilege
and honor of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, The family of John F. Grabwiecki, as well as the members of
his community, his fellow officers with the City of Peekskill Police
Department, and the students and staff of Hendrick Hudson High School,
have lost an eminent father, police officer, safety officer, and friend;
he was recognized as a pillar within his community, always seeking to
build the firmest foundations upon which Westchester County, the State
of New York and our Nation will continue to grow and prosper; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John F. Grabowiecki, former police officer and safety
security officer, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John F. Grabowiecki.